How to make fish feed ? Part 2 Step by step production process

Summary

This educational video script delves into the intricate fish feed production process, using tilapia as a case study. It guides viewers through the meticulous steps: ingredient selection, grinding, mixing, conditioning, extrusion, drying, and packaging. Emphasizing the importance of hygiene and ingredient quality, the script offers practical advice for both small-scale and industrial production. It also touches on advanced techniques like vacuum coating for species requiring higher oil content, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of creating nutritious and safe fish feed.

Takeaways

• 🐟 The feed production process involves several steps including ingredient processing, grinding, mixing, conditioning, extrusion, drying, and packaging.
• 🔍 Ensuring the quality of ingredients is crucial; they should be clean, free from mold or fungus, and checked for expiry dates.
• 🌡️ Moisture levels in ingredients are important and can affect the grinding and mixing processes.
• ⚖️ Weighing ingredients accurately and labeling them helps in maintaining the consistency of the feed formulation.
• 🌾 Grinding ingredients uniformly is necessary for proper mixing and to achieve the desired particle size.
• 🔄 Mixing should be uniform and homogenized, with industrial mixers like paddle mixers used for efficiency.
• 💧 Adding oil to the feed mix should be done slowly and evenly to ensure proper distribution and color change as an indicator of uniformity.
• 🔥 Conditioning involves treating the feed mix with high temperature and moisture to kill microorganisms and prepare it for extrusion.
• 🍚 Pelleting turns the conditioned feed mix into pellets using an extruder, with the size and cutting speed adjusted based on the target fish species.
• 🌞 Drying the pellets is essential to reduce moisture content, which can be done using ovens or sunlight, and is crucial for feed quality and digestibility.
• 📦 Proper packaging and storage in dry, cool, and less humid conditions are necessary to preserve the feed and prevent spoilage.

Q & A

What are the key steps involved in the production of fish feed?

The key steps in fish feed production include processing of ingredients, grinding, mixing, conditioning, palleting extrusion, drying, and packaging.

Why is it important to ensure the quality of ingredients used in fish feed production?

Ensuring the quality of ingredients is crucial as it affects the safety, hygiene, and nutritional value of the feed. Ingredients should be free from fungus, mold, and not too old, with attention to moisture levels and expiry dates.

How does grinding of ingredients contribute to the fish feed production process?

Grinding helps in achieving a uniform particle size, which is essential for proper mixing and ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed in the feed.

What is the purpose of mixing ingredients in fish feed production?

Mixing ingredients ensures a uniform and homogenized feed mix, which is important for the consistency and quality of the final product.

What is the role of pre-mix in fish feed production?

Pre-mix is a mix of ingredients with small quantities such as vitamins, minerals, or pigments. It is added to the main feed mix to ensure that these essential micronutrients are evenly distributed.

How does conditioning improve the quality of fish feed?

Conditioning uses high temperature and moisture to make the feed mix more homogenized, destroy potential microorganisms, and prepare it for the extrusion process.

What is the significance of pelleting in fish feed production?

Pelleting is the process of forming the feed mix into pellets through an extruder machine, which is essential for creating a durable and easily digestible form of feed for fish.

Why is drying an important step in fish feed production?

Drying reduces the moisture content in the feed pellets to a level that prevents mold and fungus growth, ensuring the feed remains fresh and safe for consumption.

How does vacuum coating enhance the fish feed for species that require more oil?

Vacuum coating allows the feed pellets to absorb up to 30 percent oil, making it suitable for species like salmon and trout that have higher oil requirements.

What are the storage recommendations for fish feed after production?

Fish feed should be stored in dry, cool, and less humid conditions, preferably in polythene or paper bags, to prevent spoilage from fungus, mold, and pests.

Outlines

00:00

🐟 Fish Feed Production Process

This paragraph introduces the various steps involved in the production of fish feed, using tilapia fish as an example. It emphasizes the importance of using clean, hygienic, and safe ingredients, checking for issues like mold or age, and evaluating the moisture levels before proceeding. The steps outlined include processing of ingredients, grinding, mixing, pre-mixing, conditioning, palleting, extrusion, drying, and packaging. The paragraph also advises on weighing ingredients accurately and ensuring uniform grinding for proper mixing. Mixing is detailed, highlighting the difference between small-scale kitchen mixers and industrial paddle mixers, and the importance of achieving a homogenized mix. Additionally, it discusses the incorporation of oil into the feed mix and the visual indication of uniform mixing.

05:00

🔄 The Role of Pre-mix and Conditioning in Feed Production

Paragraph 2 delves into the specifics of pre-mix mixing, which involves combining ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and pigments in small quantities before adding them to the main feed mix. It advises adding extra micro ingredients to account for potential loss during mixing. The paragraph then explains the conditioning process, where feed mix is treated with high temperatures and steam to homogenize it and destroy microorganisms. The use of a conditioner for this step is highlighted. Following conditioning, the feed is ready for pelleting, where it is processed through an extruder machine. The paragraph also touches on the importance of using the correct dye size for the intended fish species and adjusting the cutting speed during extrusion. It recommends a book for further understanding of extrusion technology and addresses the use of advanced extrusion technology in commercial fish feed production.

10:02

🌡️ Drying, Vacuum Coating, and Storage of Fish Feed

The final paragraph discusses the drying process of fish feed pellets, which is crucial to reduce moisture levels to between 6-12% to prevent issues with digestibility and quality. It provides home-based methods for drying, such as using an oven at a specific temperature for several hours, and suggests using sunlight when possible. The paragraph also introduces vacuum coating, a technology used to incorporate high levels of oil into feed pellets for species like salmon and trout. This process involves extruding pellets with many pores to absorb oil, similar to a sponge. Lastly, it covers the packaging and storage of fish feed, recommending storage in dry, cool, and humid-free environments to prevent spoilage and pest issues. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the importance of proper storage to maintain feed quality.

Keywords

💡Fish Feed Production

Fish feed production refers to the process of creating food for fish, specifically for aquaculture. It is a critical component of modern fish farming, ensuring that fish receive the necessary nutrients for growth and health. The video script discusses various steps involved in this process, from ingredient selection to final packaging, highlighting the importance of hygiene, ingredient quality, and the specific nutritional needs of fish like tilapia.

💡Ingredients

Ingredients in the context of fish feed refer to the raw materials used to create the feed. These can include proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The script emphasizes the need for ingredients to be clean, hygienic, and safe, free from issues like mold or fungus, and within their expiry dates. Ingredients are weighed and mixed to create a balanced diet for the fish.

💡Grinding

Grinding is the process of reducing the size of feed ingredients to a uniform particle size, which is essential for proper mixing and digestion. The script mentions that for small-scale production, all ingredients might need to be ground by the producer, ensuring that ingredients like wheat and corn are ground to a similar size for effective mixing.

💡Mixing

Mixing is a vital step in fish feed production where the ground ingredients are combined to form a homogenous feed mix. The script describes different methods of mixing, from using kitchen mixers for small-scale production to industrial paddle mixers for larger operations, aiming for an even distribution of all components.

💡Micro Ingredients

Micro ingredients are small quantities of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or pigments added to the feed mix. The script advises careful handling of these ingredients due to their small quantities and potential for loss during mixing. Adding a slight excess can ensure their availability in the final feed.

💡Conditioning

Conditioning is the process of treating the feed mix with high temperature and moisture to improve its homogeneity and destroy any potential microorganisms. The script explains that this step is crucial for preparing the feed mix for extrusion and ensures the quality and safety of the final product.

💡Extrusion

Extrusion is the process of forming the conditioned feed mix into pellets through a machine called an extruder. The script mentions that this step is essential for creating durable pellets of the appropriate size for different fish species. It also notes the importance of adjusting the cutting speed and using the correct die size for the intended fish size.

💡Drying

Drying is the process of reducing the moisture content in the feed pellets to a level that ensures the feed's longevity and palatability. The script provides home-based methods like using an oven or sunlight for drying, emphasizing the need to maintain a moisture level between 6 to 12 percent to prevent issues with digestibility or quality.

💡Vacuum Coating

Vacuum coating is a technology used to apply a high percentage of oil to fish feed pellets, especially for species that require more oil in their diet, like salmon and trout. The script explains that this process involves using a vacuum to infuse oil into the porous pellets created through extrusion, allowing for a higher oil content in the feed.

💡Packaging and Storage

Packaging and storage are the final steps in fish feed production, where the dried feed is packed in appropriate containers and stored in conditions that prevent spoilage. The script suggests using dry, cool, and less humid environments to store the feed and protect it from pests and mold, ensuring the feed's quality until it is used.

Highlights

Introduction to the fish feed production process using tilapia fish as an example.

Emphasis on the importance of clean, hygienic, and safe ingredients for fish feed.

The necessity of checking for any apparent issues like fungus or mold in the ingredients.

Advice on evaluating the freshness of ingredients and checking expiry dates.

The role of moisture levels in the grinding and mixing process of fish feed ingredients.

Instructions on weighing and labeling all ingredients for accurate feed formulation.

Details on grinding ingredients uniformly for proper mixing.

Mixing ingredients using different technologies like hammer mill or roller mill.

The significance of uniform and homogenized mixing for successful feed production.

Guidance on adding oil to the feed mix and ensuring even distribution for small-scale production.

Explanation of pre-mix mixing for incorporating micro ingredients like vitamins and minerals.

The process of conditioning feed mix using high temperature and moisture to enhance homogeneity.

Techniques for pelleting the feed mix using extruder machines.

Adjusting the size and cutting speed of pellets based on the target fish species.

Drying fish feed to maintain optimal moisture levels for better digestibility.

Vacuum coating technology for incorporating high oil content in fish feed for species like salmon.

Proper storage guidelines for fish feed to prevent spoilage and infestation.

Conclusion and appreciation note for the audience's engagement in learning about fish feed production.

Transcripts

feed production process

as you have learned about basics of fish

nutrition

with tilapia fish as an example species

now you should be ready to explore the

different processes

which are involved in the production of

fish feed

in this episode you will learn about

these processes

one by one so let's dive in

these are the different steps which you

will learn

processing of ingredients grinding of

ingredients

mixing of ingredients micro ingredients

mixing

or pre-mix mixing conditioning

palleting extrusion

drying and packaging

before we start going into the details

of

different steps of fish feed production

make sure that the ingredients you are

going to use

to produce feed are clean hygienic

and safe to use it is important that you

make sure

that any of the ingredients you are

going to use don't have any

apparent issue for example fungus

or mold they should also not be too

old to use if they have been in the

storage

for a long time it is good that you

evaluate them

carefully and always remember to check

or any expiry dates on the packages for

more

on quality aspects please check the

previous episode

of this series you should also pay

attention

to the moisture level of the ingredients

before

you are going into the next steps

because

it may bring difficulties later for

example

in grinding and mixing process

now when you are sure about the status

of the quality of ingredients and

satisfied with the overall condition of

the ingredients

it is time to weigh them weighing of the

fish sweet

ingredients weigh all the ingredients

which you are going to use in your

formulation or recipe

one by one and make a list with the name

of the ingredients

and their weight please also remember to

label the ingredients

because it is very easy to forget and

make

errors this will help you avoid redoing

the things

grinding typically if you

are producing feed at small scale

you may have to grind all the

ingredients by yourself

in some cases however you might be able

to

arrange the pre-grinded ingredients

so let's say you have to grind the

ingredients

by yourself make sure that you grind

all the ingredients uniformly for

example

if you are using wheat and corn together

in one formulation grind both

ingredients

at the same particle size such as

0.5 to 1 millimeter size for proper

mixing in the next step

usually at the industrial scale the

mixing is done

either by hammer mill or roller mill

after you have grinded each ingredient

and put them

in their bags next step is mixing them

and converting them into a mix which we

will

from now on refer as feed mix mixing

of ingredients depending on what type of

technology you are using

the mixing time for ingredients will

differ

if you are doing mixing on a smaller

scale

and using kitchen mixer make sure

to mix the ingredients properly for

example

for 10 to 15 minutes here again

the goal of mixing should be to have

uniform and even mixing at industrial

scale

where the mixers like paddle mixers are

used

the time for mixing is much shorter and

we can obtain

more homogenized mix so it is very

important

to keep in mind to pay attention to

uniform

and homogenized mix to work further on

in the next steps

in case you are going to add oil

in the mixing process as this is what

you are going to do

to prepare the tilapia pea patch at the

smaller scale

it is recommended that you add the oil

in the feed mix slowly while mixing

and making sure that it is evenly

distributed

across the feed mix if you observe

closely

you will see that the feed mix has

changed its color

to darker color after the addition of

oil

this spread of overall change in color

will give you the idea if the mixing oil

has been uniform or not

pre-mix mixing what is premix

free mix is the mix of ingredients with

small quantities

in the form of the mix such as vitamins

minerals or ingredients like pigments

or other ingredients

this pre-mix is what you are going to

add in the feed mix you have prepared

in the previous step in case you don't

have this premix

and you must mix these ingredients by

yourself

you have to make sure that you do this

please pay attention to the loss of

ingredients during mixing

as these ingredients are in small

quantity

it is recommended that you add 10 extra

of these micro ingredients to be on the

safe side

for proper mixing and availability in

your

main feed mix conditioning

as the name suggests the conditioning is

the process

where you condition your feedbacks by

making it more homogenized

with the help of high temperature and

moisture

this process is done by the equipment

called

conditioner the feed mix is treated with

high temperature

such as with temperature ranging from 70

degrees

to 90 degrees celsius the microorganisms

which are might be present in your feed

mix

are mostly destroyed successfully

through this high temperature treatment

the moisture is added in the feed mix in

the form of steam

in other words you may have

hot steam which is added in feed mix

inside the conditioner now

you have perfect feed mix which is

ready to be used into fish wheat batters

in the next step

pelleting in this process you will be

making pellets

by processing the feed mix and passing

them through the extruder machine

in case you don't have the access to

conditioning technology

you can add 10 to 20 water

in the feed mix while you are putting

the feed mix

for extruding this will make the mix

more

homogenized and easy to make durable

pellets

but remember to add the water in small

quantities

and gradually an example of small

extruder which is also used to produce

pasta by the way

is here please also check the link below

for checking out such extruder

for small-scale fish feed production

to make sure you have the right size of

the pallet produced

use the right size of dye which often

comes together

with extruder machines you also need to

know

what is the size of a fish you are

producing your feet for

the cutting speed of the pellet is also

something you need to adjust

while you are producing feed to learn

more about

the extrusion please refer to the book

which i have mentioned in the link below

i recommend this book for someone who is

keen to learn more about the extrusion

technology

commercial extruder over the years the

extrusion technology

has become very advanced in typical

industrial extruder high temperature and

pressure is used to make

sure that good quality of feed is

produced

but of course this technology is high

cost

now you have your feed ready for your

fish

but please wait we are not finished yet

we need to dry the feed pellets before

we can offer it to our fish drying the

fish food

in case you don't have the access to

drying equipment

you can use your oven at home by

spreading the pellets

evenly on the tray make sure

to keep the moisture levels in the feet

between

6 to 12 percent to achieve this

at home adjust the oven temperature to

55 degrees celsius

for 6 to 12 hours and keep checking

the moisture level after every 3 hours

to keep the check you can also use the

sunshine

to dry the small batch of your feed if

you're lucky enough to have

the access to sunshine the common issues

which are associated with the moisture

level

in the field are that if the feed is too

dry

your fish might don't eat it properly as

too much dry feed will reduce the

digestibility

of the feed the higher moisture level

will also result into bad quality of

feed

so please pay attention to it now

when you are ready with the feed for the

fish

but let me tell you about another

technology

which you might like to know about

vacuum coating when you are making the

feed

for the fish like tilapia you don't need

much oil

but some fish species love to have lot

of oils

in their feed such as salmon

and trout so you need to know

how their pellets are different as they

have

more oil in them but you may think

how come a small palette can have

oil for them the answer might surprise

you

that the apparently looking small piece

of palette

can take up to 30 percent

of the oil and this is done through the

technology called

vacuum coating with the help of vacuum

coater

the oil is pumped into the pallets this

type of

pallets with lots of pores in them

is achieved by extrusion technology

as you have learned about it in the

previous steps

in simple words the extruded pallet is

like

a sponge with lots of holes where

it can absorb the oil so that

salmon fish can enjoy their meal too

packaging and storage of feed

now let me tell you about the storing of

feed

which we have prepared after going

through all the steps

of fish feed production you can store

the feed

in dry polythene or paper bags depending

on

what is available to you commercially

the feed is packed in 25 to

500 kilogram of bags make sure

you store the feed in less humid

dry and cool place so that the feed

can be saved from fungus and mold

like fish rats also love to eat the feed

so watch out and remember

this is not their fault i hope

you enjoyed the learning thank you